Asthma in Children

It can be scary when your child is diagnosed with asthma. Thoughts may go through your mind about how he will not be able to play sports or may not grow well. You may worry about giving medicines to your small child. However, treatment and asthma medications have improved greatly and those fears often can be put to rest.

Asthma is diagnosed after a child has more than one episode of wheezing or coughing that responds well to asthma medications such as inhaled albuterol. The inhaler can help relieve the shortness of breath or coughing. Often your doctor will recommend other prescription remedies as well, and these may include a form of steroid or allergy medication. It is important to always ask your doctor about the side effects and the need for any medication---inhaled or by mouth. Some medications are used only when your child is having an attack and others may be used regularly to prevent the severity of the attack. The medications for asthma can also be very intimidating to use. Your doctor and pharmacist should take the time to teach you and your child how to properly use them.

Asthma does not always require many medications. There are many triggers of asthma such as exercise, hot or cold air, viral illnesses (common cold), dust, mold, pollen or pets. Knowing your child's triggers and avoiding them can help with relieving asthma symptoms or attacks. Testing for allergies can be very helpful and is an important part of the diagnosis. The more you know, the more you can help reduce the amount of medication your child will need. Asking your doctor to discuss the causes of your child's asthma is very important. You also may need to speak to a lung or allergy specialist.

If you feel that your child has asthma but has not been diagnosed, seek medical care immediately. Severe problems occur with asthma when people ignore the symptoms or do not know they have asthma. Do not wait until your child is fighting to take a breath. It is important to follow your pediatrician's directions carefully and carry the emergency asthma medications with you at all times.